Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. See our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. See our Privacy Policy and User Agreement for details.

3.
NATO AND AFGHANISTAN, 2001-2012 SUMMER UNIVERSITY - Danish Defence College and University of Southern Denmark -PurposeThe purpose of the course is to enable the student to assess the way in which the war hasaffected the cohesion of the Atlantic Alliance, indeed whether it has transformed it, andwhether the war thus has fundamentally impacted on the international status quo.To be able to do so, the student must grasp the dynamic of the war as it unfolds through theyears 2001-2012. The student must also grasp the blueprints for future policy that have beendefined in 2012.The student must gain analytical skills in assessing the relationship between war (inAfghanistan) and peace (the international order). The student will not be expected to testhypotheses and collect own data. The student instead will become familiar with concepts suchas balance of power, grand strategy, campaign strategy, collective security, and collectivedefense and be able to apply them to identify problems and promises in NATO’s campaign.The course thus aims to qualify the student to create an overview of complex wars andconflicts and identify key issues of central political importance.Learning objectivesThe aim is to have the student engage the Afghan war of 2001-2012 in order to have thestudent: Demonstrate knowledge of Afghanistan and NATO, the evolution of the war 2001-2012, and significant shifts of NATO policy and strategy Demonstrate analytical skills in identifying and discussing the political conditions that help explain the phases of the campaign as well as its intransigent nature Demonstrate ability in using key concepts drawn from the security studies field to explain essential dynamics and lessons drawn for the future of Afghanistan as well as the Atlantic Alliance as a pillar of international order.CreditsThe course carries 10 ECTS points (at the graduate level). Students from the Danish militarymay later apply to transfer these credits to either a military or a civilian institution.ExamStudents from the Danish military have the option of taking an oral exam immediately followingthe end of the course. The exam will be held at the Defence College. Upon successfulcompletion of the exam, the student is awarded a certificate documenting participation in thecourse as well as the credits obtained. 3

4.
CostsParticipation is free for students from the Danish military.Costs relating to transportation, books etc. will have to be covered by the student’s place ofservice.Course entryThe course is open to military and civilian students who have completed (as a minimum) VUTI/L or a relevant civilian BA. Applications, including documentation of degrees obtained, shouldbe sent to Flemming Splidsboel Hansen at the Defence College at forsk-01@fak.dk.Applications are processed as they arrive and entry is given on a first-come, first-served basis.LiteratureBefore the beginning of the course students should order and obtain the following three textbooks: Tim Bird & Alex Marshall, Afghanistan: How the West Lost its Way (Yale UP 2011), ISBN 9780300154573 Chris Alexander, The Long Way Back: Afghanistan’s Quest for Peace (Harper Collins 2011), ISBN 9781554687992 Ahmed Rashid, Pakistan on the Brink: The Future of America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan (Viking 2012), ISBN 9780670023462In addition to these three books, a small number of articles will be used in class. Informationon these will be posted shortly at www.fak.dk.ScheduleDate and place Topic Literature (soon updated)Tuesday 7 August Grand Strategy and Deadline 2014(Odense) Transition and the challenge of extraction. What is the grand strategy?Wednesday 8 August What did NATO step into?(Odense) Afghanistan’s history. What does authority look like in Afghanistan?Thursday 9 August Light footprint controversy, 2001-2005(Odense) The early effort to rebuild authorityFriday 10 August Leadership and the forgotten war, 2006-2008 4

5.
(Odense) The search for comprehensive action and a strategic planMonday 13 August The Obama surge, 2009-2012(Odense) What was COIN? Why such enthusiasm behind General McChrystal? Did NATO react strategically?Tuesday 14 August The regional puzzle, 2009-2014(Odense) Can Pakistan be part of the solution? How do you deal with the region strategically? Does NATO have a role; should it have?Thursday 16 August Enemy(Copenhagen) COIN at the tactical level; intelligence requirements. The military effort and engagement on the battlefieldFriday 17 August Government(Copenhagen) How do you bring services into the local communities? What can we learn from others? The provincial experience in dealing with Afghan authorities and foreign aid/developmentMonday 20 August Strategic Communication Strategic communication and(Copenhagen) narratives; the challenge of the multinational contextTuesday 21 August Pakistan(Copenhagen) Its role – in Afghanistan and in the wider regionPlease note that classes start at 1000 so as to allow for comfortable transportation fromCopenhagen to Odense or vice versa. Classes will usually end at appr. 1500. 5